The Best of Southern California

With its miles of pristine coastline, charming beach towns, high-end shopping, fresh cuisine, rugged natural beauty, world-class wineries, championship golf courses, and vibrant cities, Southern California has just about everything. That makes it the perfect destination for all manner of getaways, from family vacations to romantic retreats.

In fact, there’s so much to see here that it’s difficult to fit it all in. Therefore, we’ve divided the Golden State by region, making it easy for you to plan the perfect itinerary. And the best part is, wherever you deicide to visit, you'll find an Ayres Hotel in the area to make sure you enjoy a perfect stay.

Whether you’re heading to the soft sands of San Diego or the dramatic cliffs of the Central Coast, Ayres Hotels ensures your experience will be elevated beyond the ordinary. To learn more, select a destination to the right, or take a peek at some California highlights below.

Beaches

Probably the first thing you picture when you think of Southern California, the beaches here as as inviting as anywhere in the world. From vibrant meccas boasting shops along the sand, to secluded coves perfect for a peaceful afternoon, the variety of beach destinations here is staggering.

Shopping

From the 275 retail outlets of South Coast Plaza — the largest shopping center on the West Coast — to the designer boutiques of Rodeo Drive, Southern California is a prime shopping destination. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly outlets or the finest designer labels, you should consider treating yourself to a SoCal shopping spree.

Nature

Californians are known for their healthy lifestyle, and with such a beautiful setting, it’s no surprise they like to get active outdoors. An abundance of state parks, mountain ranges, lakes, and forests make the Golden State a veritable playground for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. And the best part? You never have to worry about the weather.

Theme Parks

With its status as one of the country’s most popular vacation destinations, Southern California boasts enough theme parks to satisfy any thrill seeker. From the family-friendly attractions of Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Legoland to the world-class roller coasters of Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott’s Berry Farm, there’s an amusement park here for everyone.

Sports

One of the best ways to experience the local culture is by going to watch a game, and Southern California boasts a number of professional sports teams to see while you’re in town, including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and hockey. It’s also one of the country’s preeminent golf destinations, if you prefer to do the playing yourself.